49ers’ George Kittle nearing another tight end milestone

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown as Craig Robertson #52 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the second half of a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***

Photo: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images

A year after he broke the NFL’s single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end, George Kittle is poised to reach another milestone.

Entering Sunday’s game against the Falcons at Levi’s Stadium, Kittle needs 129 receiving yards to pass Hall-of-Famer Mike Ditka for the most receiving yards by a tight end in their first three seasons in league history.

Kittle currently ranks fourth in that category with 2,646 yards. And he’s likely to rank at least second by Sunday night: He’s three yards away from passing Jimmy Graham and he needs 18 yards to top runner-up Rob Gronkowski on the list.

Kittle, of course, is also a dominating run blocker and the team captain’s intensity has made him the team’s life force.

Fox analyst Daryl Johnston, a Pro Bowl fullback with the Cowboys who will Sunday’s game, said he’s particularly eager to see Kittle.

Kittle was sidelined with ankle and knee injuries when Johnston worked the 49ers’ win over the Cardinals in November.

“You’ve got a unique guy who from an emotional standpoint - his passion for the game right is pretty much unrivaled in the NFL right now,” Johnston said. “(Wide receiver) Michael Irvin was the emotional heart and soul of our offense and you can tell George Kittle is the emotional heart and soul of that offense.”

Most receiving yards by a TE in first three NFL seasons:

1. Mike Ditka: 2,774

2. Rob Gronkowski: 2,663

3. Jimmy Graham: 2,648

4. George Kittle: 2,646

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There are no surprises among the 49ers’ inactives, largely because five players were ruled out because of injuries Friday.

Defensive tackle Kentavius Street will make his NFL debut. Street, a 2018 fourth-round pick, was activated from injured reserve Saturday after the 49ers placed nose tackle D.J. Jones on IR with a high ankle sprain.

Eric Branch has worked at the San Francisco Chronicle since 2011 as the 49ers beat writer. Before that, he covered the 49ers for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat in 2010. Since he began his career in journalism in 1997 in Logansport, Ind., he’s covered events ranging from archery tournaments to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.